Universal Toy Controller System And Methods

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and methods, for an game controller system are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that allows for universal control of games. In some embodiments, the games are hosted at an online portal, which contains a software module allowing a game programmer to specify a controller mapping. When a particular game is selected by a user, the mapping is sent to the local computer. Once installed, the mapping file maps commands received from a controller to specific actions within the game. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/957,001 filed Dec. 14, 2007, which is acontinuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/828,124,filed Jul. 25, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/726,454, filed Mar. 22, 2007, which is acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/540,369, filed Sep. 29, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part ofco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/368,300, filed Mar. 3,2006, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/255,852, filed Oct. 21, 2005. Priority isclaimed to these applications and they are incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

This application is additionally related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. ______, entitled “Online Interactive Game System and Methods”,attorney docket number 44435-0010; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.______, entitled “Touch Screen Computing Apparatus and Methods”,attorney docket No. 44435-0012 both of this are filed contemporaneouslyherewith.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to computing and entertainmentsystem controllers. More particularly, the invention concerns universalcontrol methods, and apparatus for computing and entertainment systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Users are increasing demanding more sophistication in computing andentertainment devices. With this demand ever increasing the electronicsindustry has responded with a wide range of offerings. Entertainmentsystems typically include online games, played on a personal computer,or in some instances, can comprise stand alone game consoles. Onelimitation that users experience moving between environments is thatmost game controllers are not interchangeable between gaming systems.Additionally, a user comfortable with one type of game controller maynot enjoy the same experience when changing to another system may nothave the same experience they would on a system with a differentcontroller. Further, many game consoles are like personal computers inthat the game controllers use an industry standard interface.

Another limitation inherent in the industry is that after a user isfamiliar with a specific game, the game becomes rather routine. Unless amechanism is provided that allows the user experience to change overtime, a user may loose interest and not receive the same entertainmentexperience. Further, touch screen technologies are advancing to thepoint where controllers could become more functional.

Since a number of games are played online it is additionally importantto be able to interface with a computer using a common apparatus.Currently computing apparatus input devices, such as keyboards, mice,and stylus sensitive pads can take up a significant amount of space in ausers office and serve essentially one function. This is a limitation ofthe current technologies employed. It would therefore be advantageous toprovide a universal controller for gaming systems and for computingapparatus with enhanced capabilities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a computing andentertainment controllers, methods and computer software products. Anexemplary embodiment of a provided entertainment system includes atleast one hand held game controller with a touch screen and a number ofaccelerometers. The accelerometers indicating the movement of the handheld game controller. The controllers are configured with wirelesscommunications transceivers allowing them to communicate to a basestation. The system further includes a base station that communicateswith the hand held controllers. The base station is further configuredwith a connector suitable for connection to an accessory box and asecond connector suitable for connection to a computing device. Theentertainment system optionally includes an accessory box with aconnector sufficient for connecting the accessory box to the basestation.

In some embodiments, the accessory box is configured to allow additionalfunctionality to be imparted to game play. The entertainment systemfurther includes an online game portal hosted on a server on thenetwork. One embodiment provides a method of interactive play. In thisembodiment a signal is communicated from at least one hand held gamecontroller to a base station. Like the above embodiment, the hand heldcontrollers contain touch screens and accelerometers. In thisembodiment, the base station additionally receives a communicationssignal from an accessory box. The base station communicates a command toa computing device that is connected to a server over a network. Thecomputing device sends commands, and other information to the server.The server communicates signals back to the computing device whichenable game play on the computing device.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides acomputer software product. The software product is in the form of acomputer readable medium. The medium contains processor executableinstructions that, when executed by a processor configure a computingapparatus to receive a first communications signal from a base station.This first communications signal includes information received from atleast one hand held game controller. The game controller, like the abovecontrollers include a touch screen interface and a number ofaccelerometers. The configuration additionally includes a configurationto send a second communications signal to a server on a network, theserver hosting an online game portal and to receive a thirdcommunications signal from the server on the network which enables gameplay on the computing device, the game play related to a game on theonline game portal.

A still further provided embodiment is a computing device accessory thatincludes a housing, a touch sensitive display that is mounted on thehousing, a communications transceiver, and a memory contained within thehousing and communicating with the touch sensitive display, the memorycontaining instructions that, when executed by a processor configure theaccessory to illuminate discrete regions on the display, the regionscomprising: a keyboard region, a stylus sensitive region, and a mouseregion.

Another embodiment provides a computing apparatus that includes aprocessor, a memory, a touch sensitive display and a storage media thestorage media containing a set of processor executable instructionssufficient that, when executed by the processor, configure the computingapparatus to illuminate discrete regions on the display, the regionscomprising: a keyboard region, a stylus sensitive region, and a mouseregion.

Another exemplary embodiment provides a method of providing interactionwith a computing apparatus. In this method the computing apparatus isconfigured to illuminate discrete regions on a touch sensitive display.The touch sensitive display is mounted on a housing and the housingcontains a memory. Some of the discrete regions include a keyboardregion, a stylus sensitive region, and a mouse region.

A further provided embodiment includes a computer implemented methodthat includes providing a computing apparatus, the computing apparatuscontains a processor, a memory; and a touch sensitive display. Thecomputing apparatus is configured to illuminate discrete regions on thedisplay, the regions including a keyboard region, a stylus sensitiveregion, and a mouse region. An additional provided embodiment includes acomputer software product. The computer software product including amachine readable media. In this embodiment, the machine readable mediacontains instructions that when executed by a processor illuminatediscrete regions on a touch sensitive display. The discrete regionsinclude a keyboard region, a stylus sensitive region, and a mouseregion.

One provided embodiment is a universal game controller system for usewith a variety of game consoles. This system includes a game controllerwhich includes a touch screen interface and a first communicationstransceiver. The system additionally includes a base station; having asecond communications transceiver that is configured to communicate withthe first transceiver, and a communications port. The communicationsport is operable to connect the base station to a game console. Afurther provided embodiment includes a method of enabling game play on agame controller. This method includes communicating a signal from auniversal game controller. In this embodiment the universal gamecontroller is configured for use with a variety of game consoles. Thegame controller includes a touch screen interface and a firstcommunications transceiver. The method further includes receiving thesignal at a base station. The base station includes a secondcommunications transceiver which is configured to communicate with thefirst transceiver, and a communications port operable to connect thebase station to a game console. The method further includescommunicating a signal from the base station to the game console.

Further provided embodiments include an online entertainment system andmethods. In an exemplary method, a software module is provided on aserver. The software module includes an application program interfacethat allows a game programmer to specify a controller mapping. Thesoftware module then generates a mapping file which is stored on theserver and associated with the game. Once a user selects a game to beplayed on a remote computer, the server transmits the mapping file tothe user's computer. The mapping file, when installed on the user'scomputer, maps signals received from a universal controller to actionswithin the selected game.

A still further embodiment provides an entertainment system forproviding an interactive experience to a user. The entertainment systemincludes a server containing a software module. The software modulecontains an application program interface which allows a game programmerspecify a mapping of controller actions to game actions. Based on themapping, the software module creates a mapping file that is stored onthe server and associated with the game. When a user selects a game theassociated mapping file is sent to the local computer and installed.When signals are to received from a universal controller the informationis mapped to actions within the selected game.

An even further embodiment provides a computing apparatus that containsa processor, a memory, and a storage medium. The storage medium includesa set of processor executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor configure the computing apparatus to act as a server in anentertainment system. The instructions further configure the server toprovide a software module with an application program interface thatallows a game programmer to specify a controller mapping. The server isfurther configured to generate a mapping file for each game and storethe mapping file on the server. When a particular game is selected by auser, the appropriate mapping file is transmitted to the user's computeracross a network. The mapping file is then installed on the user'scomputer and when a signal is received from a universal controller, theinformation contained within the signal is mapped to the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention taught herein areillustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in thefigures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a base station device consistent with variousprovided embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a provided entertainment system;

FIG. 3 illustrates a feature of various provided embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a feature of various provided embodiments;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the flow of a provided method;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a still further provided method;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a computing apparatus and computer softwareproduct consistent with various provided embodiments;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an accessory box consistent with variousprovided embodiments; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an entertainment system consistent with variousprovided embodiments;

FIG. 10 illustrates another entertainment system consistent with variousprovided embodiments;

FIG. 11 illustrates a universal controller consistent with variousprovided embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates a computing apparatus consistent with variousprovided embodiments;

FIG. 13 illustrates the flow of a provided embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates the flow of a provided embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates the flow of a provided embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates the flow of a provided embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a universal tablet controller consistent withvarious provided embodiments;

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of a provided entertainmentsystem;

FIG. 19 illustrates the flow of a provided method;

FIG. 20 illustrates the flow of another provided method;

FIG. 21 illustrates the flow of a further provided method;

FIG. 22 illustrates the flow of yet another provided method;

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of a user interface;

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of a exemplary universal controller;

FIG. 25 illustrates the flow of another provided method; and

FIGS. 26 (a)-(h) illustrate various embodiments of a provided computingapparatus.

It will be recognized that some or all of the Figures are schematicrepresentations for purposes of illustration and do not necessarilydepict the actual relative sizes or locations of the elements shown. TheFigures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or moreembodiments of the invention with the explicit understanding that theywill not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described indetail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Whilethis invention is capable of embodiment in many different forms, thereis shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specificembodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to beconsidered as an example of the principles of the invention and notintended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown anddescribed. That is, throughout this description, the embodiments andexamples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than aslimitations on the present invention. Descriptions of well knowncomponents, methods and/or processing techniques are omitted so as tonot unnecessarily obscure the invention. As used herein, the “presentinvention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to variousfeature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does notmean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referencedfeature(s).

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods andapparatus for universal control of entertainment or computing systems.As is know in the art there are a number of manufacturers of gamingconsoles each with different hand held controllers. In some instances auser may be confused by the differences in controllers and may not havethe same experience when moving from one console type to another. Someembodiments of the present invention are directed at overcoming thatdifficulty by providing a had-held controller and system that mayinteroperate across platforms. Additionally, in some embodiments, thegames may reside on a server on a network and the user may play thegames on a computing apparatus like a personal computer. Further, someprovided embodiments include a computing apparatus accessory whichintegrates a multiplicity of input devices into a novel, and in someinstances reconfigurable device.

One embodiment of a base station 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. In thisembodiment, base station 100 comprises a first communications port 50for connecting base station 100 to a computing device 40. Asillustrated, computing device 40, is connected to a network 10, like theInternet, and further connected to server 20 containing database 30. Asillustrated, communications port 50 is a wired port such as a UniversalSerial Bus or Ethernet port, but as in known in the art may be awireless communications port. In some embodiments, base station 100additionally includes a second communications port 50 suitable forcommunications with an accessory box (not shown). Base station 100additionally includes controller 70, a plurality of communicationstransceivers 60 and in some instances an antenna 70. As is known in theart all communications can be through either wired or wireless media andthe illustrated depictions in FIG. 1 are exemplars.

FIG. 2 illustrates an entertainment system consistent with variousprovided embodiments. The system includes at least one hand held gamecontroller 80 containing a plurality of accelerometers (not shown). Eachof the hand held game controller 80 includes a touch screen interface90. In some embodiments, tough screen interface contains a number ofcontrols sufficient to control game play. In one embodiment, touchscreen 90 includes a plurality of lights which “back light” the controlsindicating a control a user should take. In other embodiments, touchscreen interface 80 contains depressions or “dimples” indicating thecontrols. In other embodiments, touch screen interface 80 containsraised portions or “buttons” indicating the controls. In still furtherembodiments, touch screen 80 contains regions of “textured” materialindicating controls. In an exemplary embodiment, the “textured” materialis “plexi-glass”, glass, or plastic that has been manufactured toprovide a textured feel. Other materials that provide a distinct tactilefeel are additionally known in the art and may be used to practice theinvention.

Hand held controllers 80 further include a communications transceiverallowing for communication with base station 100 in a wireless format.Exemplary communications transceivers that may be used to practiceembodiments of the present invention include but are not limited tooptical transceivers, radio frequency transceivers, infraredtransceivers, BLUETOOTH transceivers (BLUETOOTH is a trademark of theBluetooth Special Interest Group), RFID transceivers, frequency hoppingradio frequency transceivers, and ultra wideband transceiver. Hand heldcontrollers 80 additionally include a plurality of accelerometers, suchas orientation accelerometers, motion accelerometers, and accelerationaccelerometers which provide data related to the position and movementof hand held controllers 80.

As discussed above, base station 10 includes a like communicationstransceiver to enable communications with hand held controllers 80. Basestation 100 additionally includes a first connector or communicationsport 50 sufficient to connect base station 100 to computing apparatus 40(shown here as a monitor). In some embodiments, base station 100additionally includes a second connector, or port 50 sufficient toconnect base station 100 to accessory box 120. Accessory box 120likewise includes connector 50, and associated electronics enablingcommunications with base station 100. Exemplary connectors include butare not limited to Universal Serial Bus connectors, FireWire connectors,twisted pair connectors, phone line connectors, and wired mediumconnectors.

In some embodiments (not shown), connectors 50 are connected toadditional communications components such as antennas, optical emitters,and optical detectors. In these embodiments, base station 100 includesan additional communications transceiver such as an optical transceiver,a radio frequency transceiver, an infrared transceiver, a Bluetoothtransceiver, a RFID transceiver, a frequency hopping radio frequencytransceiver, and an ultra wideband transceiver enabling wirelesscommunications between accessory box 120, base station 100 and computingapparatus 40.

In an exemplary embodiment, base station 100 is configured to route dataand commands from and between computing device 40, hand held controllers80, and accessory box 120. As mere exemplars, this routing may take theform of receiving communications signals from the hand held devices 80and forwarding the data contained within these signals to computingdevice 40. In other embodiments, the routing may provide for receivingdata from accessory box 120 and sending data to computing device 40. Therouted data may include but is not limited to data from at least one ofthe plurality of accelerometers, and data from the touch screeninterface and data from accessory box enabling additional functionalityto the entertainment system. In another embodiment, hand heldcontrollers 80 contain a battery recharging port 110. A similarrecharging port 110 is provided on base station 100 allowing for therecharge of the hand held controllers' batteries when not in use.

One feature of this embodiment is that the computing device 40 is incommunication with 20 server on the network 10. The server hosts a gameportal which stores information related to the games, informationrelated to users, and in some embodiments, access information. When auser desires to play a specific game, the computing device may determinefrom accessory box 120 if the user is allowed to access the specificgame. Once the computing device retrieves information on which games auser can access it sends this data to the online game portal. On theserver the access data is verified and access is granted to theparticular game the user desires to play.

Another feature of various embodiments is illustrated in FIG. 3 whichshows a configuration allowing multiple players to participate in acommon game. As this illustration depicts, users A-D can use independententertainment systems to play a common game. Each user A-D interfaceswith a hand held controller 80. The hand held controllers send userinput information to base stations 100, which route this information tocomputing apparatuses 40 (shown here as Personal Computers “PCs”).Computing apparatuses 40 are in communication with server 20 acrossnetwork 10. As illustrated, server 20 is in further communication withdatabase 30. In some embodiments, database 30 may be located on server20, in other embodiments, database 30 is located on another computingdevice 40 on network 10. In this environment, game play is served toeach of the computing devices 40 from server 20 allowing users A-D tointeract with the game through the use of their entertainment system.

FIG. 4 illustrates another feature of various embodiments. In thisillustration a configuration is shown where two users (A and B) aresupported on a single entertainment system. In this illustration, User Aand User B each interact with the entertainment system through the useof hand held controllers 80. The controllers communicate userinteractions to base station 100. Base station 100 routs thisinteraction information to computing device 40 which uses theinformation for game play. Computing device 40 further communicates theinformation to server 20 across network 10. As in the previouslydescribed system, server 20 is in communication with database 30.

One further feature is illustrated in FIG. 4. The addition of accessorybox 120 allows for additional functionality, such as new games, to beunlocked on the system. In this embodiment, requests for newfunctionality cause computing apparatus to communicate with accessorybox 120 and retrieve access information. The access information is thenverified on database 30. If access to the new functionality is grated,server 20 sends the additional functionality to computing device 40.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate embodiments of provided methods. In FIG. 5 flowbegins in block 140 where a communications signal is communicated from ahand held controller 80 to a base station 100. As described above, thissignal may contain information from a plurality of accelerometers andinputs from a user through a touch screen. Further, this signal istypically communicated wirelessly through the use of wirelesstransceivers (optical or radio frequency). Flow continues to block 150where a communication signal is sent from accessory box 120 to the basestation 100. As described above, this signal may contain data or otherinformation, such as commands, to unlock functionality on the system. Insome embodiments, this signal is sent through wired media connectors, inother embodiments, this signal is sent wirelessly. Flow continues toblock 160 where a command is sent from the base station to a computingapparatus 40. In block 170 computing apparatus 40 communicates data toserver 20 on network 10. Flow continues to block 180 where server 20sends a communication to computing apparatus 40 across network 10. Inblock 190, game play is enabled on computing apparatus 40.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further embodiment where the flow is the same forblocks 140-190. In block 200 a signal is communicated from computingapparatus 40 to hand held controllers 80 through base station 100 and inblock 210 game play is enabled on hand held controllers 80. In someembodiments, the enablement of game play on hand held controllers 80comprises the illumination of lights corresponding to controls on thehand held controllers 80.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computing device 40 and computer software product260 consistent with various provided embodiments. Computing device 40comprises processor 230, memory. 240, storage media 250, input device220, a plurality of communications ports 50 and output device 270. As isknown in the art, a number of other components are typically foundwithin a computing device that have been omitted for convenience. Asdescribed above, one communications port 50 provides a path forcommunication with base station 100 and another provides a path forcommunication with server 20 across network 10. Exemplary input devices220 that are suitable to receive computer software product 260 includebut are not limited to CD ROM drives, DVD Rom drives, optical drivesmagnetic drives, and the like. Computer software product 260 comprises acomputing apparatus readable medium containing a set of processor 230executable instructions that, when executed by processor 230 configurecomputing device 40 to execute the methods described above. In oneembodiment, computer readable media comprises a hard drive located onserver 20 and executable instructions sufficient to configure computingdevice 40 are downloaded from network 10. In some embodiments,executable instructions are located on database 30 across network 10. Asdescribed above, database 30 may be located on server 20 oralternatively, on another computing device 40 on network 10.

An exemplary embodiment of an accessory box 120 is illustrated in FIG.8. In this embodiment, accessory box 120 comprises a memory 240, acommunications transceiver 60 and a communications port 50. As discussedabove, accessory box 120, in some embodiments imparts additionalfunctionality to games being played. This functionality may be revealing“secret” rooms, additional weapons, or other features within a game. Insome embodiments, additional games are “unlocked” with the use ofaccessory box 120. Memory 240 may include volatile or non-volatilememory elements. In one embodiment, codes stored on memory 240 may besent to base station 100 unlocking the additional functionality. In someembodiments accomplishments during game play cause server 20 to sendadditional codes for storage in memory 240 on accessory box 120. Theseembodiments allow a user to experience different gaming as their levelof accomplishment increases. In other embodiments purchases made onlinecause server 20 to send additional codes to accessory box 120.

FIG. 9 illustrates embodiments where universal controllers interact withgame consoles instead of a computing device 40. As is known in the artthere are many manufacturers of game consoles and each manufacturer mayprovide different controllers for interaction. Many of these consolesprovide for controller connection through a Universal Serial Bus (USB)or like connection. In the illustrated embodiment hand held controller80, as described above, contains touch sensitive display 90. In thisembodiment, hand held controller 80 communicates with base station 100through either a wireless or wired connection. Base station 100communicates with a game console. Stated differently, base station 100receives control signals from handheld controller 80 and communicatesthem the control data to the game console through its communicationsport.

Another provided embodiment of a universal controller is illustrated inFIG. 10. In this embodiment, the controller is tablet 290. In thisembodiment touch screen 90 is contained within housing 300. Asillustrated it contains a plurality of discrete regions that are mappedwith different functionality and in some embodiments, may be illuminatedwith various features and controls. Various embodiments of tablet 290include regions for illumination of a keyboard, a section forinteraction with stylus 280, a mouse control region 340 and in someinstances a specific game control region 350. As illustrated, tablet 290may communicate with the game console through a wireless media or insome embodiments through communications port 50. FIG. 11 illustratessome exemplary functional contents of tablet 290. In this embodiment,tablet 290 contains touch sensitive display 90 with an exemplary numberof discrete regions that could include a game control region 350, amouse control region 340 a keyboard region 320 a stylus sensitive region330. In this embodiment, tablet 290 additionally includes memory 240 anda communications transceiver 60. In some embodiments, tablet 290 isbattery powered and include battery 400. In a number of theseembodiments, power is received from communications port 50, such as aUSB port, (not shown) and can be used to power tablet 290 and rechargebattery 400. In other embodiment table 290 may be powered by a plug-inpower cable (not shown). In other embodiments, tablet 290 includes aprocessor configured to map various functionality to the regions oftablet 290. In other embodiments, mapping is accomplished by an externalcomputing apparatus connected to and communicating with transceiver 60.

An embodiment of a provided computing apparatus 540 is illustrated inFIG. 12. This embodiment includes tablet 290 touch sensitive display 90processor 230, memory 240, and storage media 250. In some embodimentscomputing apparatus 540 is configured to communicate with network 10. Asillustrated, touch sensitive screen 90 includes discrete sections whichare mapped with functionality. As in other embodiments, these regionsinclude a keyboard region 320, a stylus sensitive region 330, a mousecontrol region 340, and in some embodiments game control section 350.

Mapping, in one embodiment includes designating a set of pixels on touchsensitive display 90 and associating them with a specific character. Inone embodiment, the mapping of a keyboard to keyboard region includesstoring a character in memory 240 with a range of pixel locationsassociated with that character. In an exemplary embodiment, thecharacter is from the American Standard Code for Information Interchange(ASCII). Other character code sets are known in the art and may be usedto practice the current invention. Once mapped, a user striking a“character” on keyboard section causes a lookup in memory 240 for theassociated character, the character is then read from memory 240 andtransmitted by transceiver 60 (FIG. 11) or in an embodiment where tablet240 is embedded in computing apparatus 540 the character is utilized inthe manner consistent with normal usage.

In like manner, user interaction with stylus sensitive region 330, mousecontrol region 340, and in some embodiments game control region 350generate data that may be captured, or recorded, and in embodimentssimilar to the one illustrated in FIG. 11, the data is then transmittedby transceiver 60. In embodiments where tablet 290 is embedded intocomputing apparatus 540, illustrated in FIG. 12, data captured fromthese regions is used in the manner consistent with normal usage.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a provided method. Inthis embodiment, flow begins in block 360 where discrete regions oftouch sensitive display are illuminated. As discussed above theseregions can include a keyboard region, a stylus sensitive region, amouse control region and in some embodiments, a game control region.Other regions may be utilized and illuminated as well. Flow continues toblock 370 where a character set is mapped to the keyboard region. Flowthen continues to block 380 where data is recorded from a userinteraction with the keyboard region and in embodiments like thosedescribed in FIG. 11, in block 380 the data is transmitted from tablet290. FIG. 14 illustrates the flow of another exemplary method. In thisembodiment, flow begins in block 360 where discrete regions of a touchsensitive display are illuminated. In block 410 data from the stylusregion is recorded and in embodiments like those described in FIG. 11,in block 380 the data is transmitted from tablet 290. FIG. 15illustrates a further embodiment of a provided method. In this method,flow begins in block 360 where regions are illuminated on the display.Flow continues to block 420 where data associated with the mouse controlregion is captured or recorded and in embodiments like those describedin FIG. 11, in block 380 the data is transmitted from tablet 290. Insimilar manner the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 begins with block360 where regions of the display are illuminated. In block 430 gamecontrols are mapped to a game control region. In block 440 data isrecorded or otherwise captured from the game control region and inembodiments like those described in FIG. 11, in block 380 the data istransmitted from tablet 290.

A further illustration of an integrated universal controller in the formof a tablet 290 is provided in FIG. 17. This illustrates a dynamicreconfiguration of tablet 290. In this embodiment, regions of tablet 290can be remapped from one function to another. For example, asillustrated, at one period of time, a region of tablet 290 may beilluminated and mapped as a keyboard region and at another time the sameregion may be illuminated as a stylus region.

Turning now to FIG. 18, an exemplary entertainment system isillustrated. Components of the entertainment system include server 20,communicating with computing apparatus 540 across network 10. Computingapparatus is additionally communicating with universal controller 80.Universal controller 80, illustrated in some embodiments takes to formof a tablet, or stick controller, but some embodiments of the presentinvention are not limited to those particular configurations. Asillustrated, server 20 contains processor 230, memory 240 and storagemedia 250 and network interface 60. Additionally, computing apparatusand server 20 may be communicating with an additional server 20 whereother games may be stored. Contained within storage medium 250 issoftware module 410, database 30, software application 480 and in someembodiments, mapping files 420. As illustrated software module 410contains Application Program Interface (API) 820. As is known in theart, software module 410 may be written in a number of programminglanguages, such as C, C++, or JAVA™. Additionally, it may be a compiledmodule, compiled with any number of compilers, or it could comprise ascripts, such as a JAVA™ script or pearl script, or an applet written inJAVA.

In an exemplary embodiment, server 20 hosts a web portal andadditionally contains a number of web pages that can be sent to a remotecomputing apparatus 540. In one embodiment, a user computer communicateswith server 20 through the web portal. Server 20 sends softwareapplication 480 to remote computing apparatus 540 for initialization ofgame play. As illustrated, some embodiments include games stored ondatabase 30 while others additionally include remote 3^(rd) party gameshosted on remote server 20. Computing apparatus 540 additionallyincludes display 430 where game play is graphically depicted.

API 820 allows game programmers to write games and custom interfaces foruniversal controller 80. Through the use of API 820 a programmer mayspecify which actions of universal controller 80 will map to which gameplay actions. In this manner, a new game programmer only need tointeract with API 820 to ensure that a gamer using a universalcontroller 80 with computing apparatus 540 is able to play the new game.In some embodiments this is independent of where the game is actuallystored. Interacting with API 820 a game programmer specifies whichphysical actions with universal controller 80 will map to which actionswithin the new game. Once complete software module 410 generates amapping file 420. In some embodiments, mapping files 420 are text filesthat can be read by computing apparatus 540, in other embodiments,mapping files are scripts, such as a JAVA™ script, in other embodiments,mapping file 420 may be compiled into a Dynamic Linked Library (dll)file and loaded into memory when software application 480 executes onremote computing apparatus 430.

An exemplary method is illustrated in FIG. 19. In this embodiment, flowbegins in block 440 where the server 20 provides a software module withan API. As described above, the software module allows a game programmerto specify a controller mapping. Flow continues to block 450 where amapping file is generated for a particular game. Flow then continues toblock 460 where the mapping file is sent to a remote computingapparatus. In block 470 the mapping filed is installed on the remotecomputing apparatus. When game play is initialized on remote computingapparatus 540, signals received from universal controller 80 are mappedto the appropriate actions within the game.

One feature of this embodiment is that it provides a method thatincludes providing a software module 410 on a server 20, the softwaremodule having an application program interface 820, the software module410 configured to allow a game programmer to specify a controllermapping. Software module 410 then generates a mapping file 420, from thesoftware module, the mapping file 420 specifying a mapping of actions ona universal controller 80, to a game developed by the game programmer.As described above, server 20 then transmits the mapping file 420 to aremote computing apparatus 540 across a network 10, the remote computingapparatus 540 configured to operate with a universal controller 80. Themapping file 420 is then installed on the remote apparatus 430. Themapping file 420 configures the computing apparatus 540 to map signalsreceived from the universal controller 80 to actions within a gamedisplayed on a display on the display 430 computing apparatus 540. Thisallows a game programmer to release new games to the public without theneed for new controllers. By utilizing the provided software module,universal controller can be remapped to the requirements of the newgame.

A further provided method is illustrated in FIG. 20. In this embodiment,flow begins with block 490 where a web portal is provided on a server20. The web portal is configured to provide a web page to remotecomputing apparatus 540 across network 10. Flow continues to block 500where server 20 determines if software application 480 has beeninstalled on remote computing apparatus 500. Flow continues toconditional block 510. If software application 480 is not installed onremote computing apparatus 540, flow continues to block 520 wheresoftware application 540 is downloaded and installed on remote computingapparatus 540. When software program 480 is executed on remote computingapparatus 530 a web browser is initialized in block 530. in oneembodiment in the first instance of browser initialization by softwareapplication 480 the browser is initialized with a toolbar enabled. Inthis embodiment, the enabled tool bar contains a plurality of gameselections. Flow continues to block 560 where auto mapping of mappingfiles 420 is enabled.

Returning to decision block 510 if it is determined that softwareapplication 480 has been installed on remote computing apparatus 540,flow continues to block 550. When software program 480 is initializes itis executed in block 550. Flow continues to block 570 where softwareprogram 570 initializes a web browser with a tool bar disabled. Flowthen continues to block 580 where server 20 determines if the webbrowser is accessing the web portal. If, in decision block 590 it isdetermined that the web browser is not accessing the web portal flowcontinues back to block 580 and waits until the web browser is accessingthe web portal. If in decision block 590 it is determined that webbrowser is accessing the portal, flow continues to block 600 where thetool bar is enabled. Flow then continues to block 610 where auto mappingof mapping files 420 is enabled. an exemplary web browser with a toolbar is illustrated in FIG. 23.

Methods of providing a web portal are known in the art. An exemplarymethod includes running web server software, such as Apache web serveron a computing apparatus. Various embodiments of software applicationwere developed in JAVA™ programming language, but the present inventionis not limited to JAVA™. Those of ordinary skill in the art know thatany computer programming language can be used to develop softwareapplication 480. For example, C or C++. There are a number of IntegratedDevelopment Environments (IDEs) that are advantageous for thedevelopment. An exemplary IDE is Visual C++ which allows a programmer toutilize web browser objects within the program. Further, when installinga software program, methods known in the art allow for a program towrite a flag to a registry file and to communicate the presence of thisflag to a remote server. Thus allowing the server to detect whether aparticular software program has been installed on the remote computingapparatus. Other known methods of detection may include the installerasking a user to register the software during installation. Thisregistration communicated to the server. Other installers can be createdthat do not prompt the user for permission to register, merely informthe server that the software program has been installed. Further,methods of determining if a web server is communicating with aparticular computing apparatus are known. Exemplary methods includeidentification by the server of the remote computing apparatus' InternetProtocol (IP) address.

Turning now to FIG. 21 which illustrates the flow of an alternateembodiment of a provided method. In this method, flow begins in block620 where a server 20 provides a web portal containing at least one webpage. As is known in the art, web pages may be created in, for examplethe Hyper Text Mark-up Language (HTML) or any other similar web basedlanguage known to skilled artisans. Further, web portals typicallycommunicate using the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP), otherprotocols for computer communication are known in the art and someembodiments are not therefore limited to either HTML or HTTP. Flowcontinues to block 630 where the web portal provides a web page to theremote computing apparatus 540. In this embodiment, the webpagecomprises a document written in a standard web format, such as html,that includes a number of links. Each of the links indicating adifferent game to be played. When a link is selected, flow continues toblock 640 where server 20 determines which game has been selected. Flowthen continues to block 650 where the appropriate mapping file 420 isselected. Flow then continues to block 660 where the mapping file 420 issent to remote computing apparatus 540.

Another embodiment of a provided method is illustrated in FIG. 22. Inthis method, flow begins in block 670 where a remote computing apparatus540 receives a web page from server 20. Flow then continues to block 680where game selection is enabled by the received webpage. Flow thencontinues to block 690 where, once selected, a game selection is sent toserver 20. In block 700 a mapping file is received from server 20. Oncethe mapping file has been installed, flow continues to block 710 wherethe selected game is initialized. Flow then continues to block 720 wherea signal is received from a universal controller 80. In block 730 thereceived signal is mapped to a game action. Flow continues to block 740where the mapped action is displayed on display 430.

An alternate embodiment of universal controller 80 is illustrated inFIG. 24. In this embodiment, universal controller 80 contains acommunications transceiver 60 enabled to send signals to a computingapparatus 540 and, in some embodiments, receive signals from remotecomputing apparatus 540. As illustrated, this embodiment additionallycontains processor 230, memory 240, storage media 250, a plurality ofaccelerometers 750, battery 400, and battery charging port 110. On thefront view controller 80 contains a touch sensitive display 90. In thisembodiment, touch sensitive display contains no deformations or tactileareas. Contained within storage media are a set of processor executableinstructions, that, when executed by processor 230 cause a bitmap storedin storage media 250 to be mapped and illuminated on touch sensitivedisplay 90. In this manner, universal controller can be updated withadditional bitmaps and take on completely different appearance dependingon which game is selected for play.

A method for interaction between computing apparatus 540 and universalcontroller 80 is depicted in FIG. 25. In this embodiment, flow begins inblock 670 and continues through block 700 in the manner described above.Flow then continues to block 760 where a new game is received fromserver 760. In this embodiment, server 20 additionally stores controllerinterface files (bitmaps) that relate to each game. Flow then continuedto block 770 where computing apparatus 540 determines if the appropriatecontroller interface is on its storage media 250. If, in decision block780 it is determined that the file is not present locally, flowcontinues to block 790 where the appropriate interface is requested fromserver 20. Flow then continues to block 800 where the interface file isreceived from server 20. Flow then continues to block 810 where theinterface file is sent to universal controller 80 and installed.Returning to decision block 780, it is determined that the correctinterface file is on computing apparatus' storage media flow continuesto block 810 where it is sent to universal controller 80 and installed.In an alternate embodiment (not shown) when a new game is received fromserver 20 a message is sent to universal controller 80 indicating thegame to be played and the version of the interface file. If theappropriate file is stored within universal controller's storage medium250 the file is not sent from computing apparatus 540. If the file isnot on universal controller 80, the file is transmitted from computingapparatus 540 and installed on universal controller 80.

Various embodiments of a provided computing apparatus are illustrated inFIGS. 26 (a)-(h). In these embodiments, at least one, and in someinstances two touch screen displays are used. As illustrated, someembodiments of the computing apparatus are connected in a manner toallow a wide range of movement between the displays. A central featureof these embodiments, is that the computing apparatus is configured witha set of instructions that when executed by a processor contained withinthe apparatus, different regions of the display(s) are mapped todifferent functions. For example, as seen in FIG. 26 (H), a region ofthe display is configured as a keyboard, and that region is mapped tothe functionality of a keyboard. In other situations, illustrated inFIG. 26 (G) the same region is illuminated as a game control region andis mapped to receive inputs from a stylus.

Embodiments of the software present on the computing apparatus have beenreduced to practice using JAVA programming language. Other languages,such as C or C++ are known in the art and some embodiments are notlimited to the particular programming language used to implement thefunctionality described. Further, one of ordinary skill, given thisdisclosure, will know how to make and use the invention, becausegraphics rendering, region mapping, and interaction with computer inputperipherals are all within the knowledge of a skilled artisan.

Thus, it is seen that an online entertainment system, universalcontroller system, methods and computer software product are provided.One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can bepracticed by other than the above-described embodiments, which arepresented in this description for purposes of illustration and not oflimitation. The specification and drawings are not intended to limit theexclusionary scope of this patent document. It is noted that variousequivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this descriptionmay practice the invention as well. That is, while the present inventionhas been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it isevident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations andvariations will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art inlight of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended that thepresent invention embrace all such alternatives, modifications andvariations as fall within the scope of the appended claims. The factthat a product, process or method exhibits differences from one or moreof the above-described exemplary embodiments does not mean that theproduct or process is outside the scope (literal scope and/or otherlegally-recognized scope) of the following claims.

1. A universal game controller system for use with a variety of gameconsoles comprising: a game controller, the game controller comprising atouch screen interface and a first communications transceiver; and abase station; the base station comprising a second communicationstransceiver, configured to communicate with the first transceiver, and acommunications port, the communications port operable to connect thebase station to a game console.
 2. The universal game controller systemof claim 1, wherein the game controller is a hand held controllercomprising a plurality of accelerometers.
 3. The universal gamecontroller system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of accelerometerscomprises an accelerometer selected from a group consisting of: anorientation accelerometer, a motion accelerometer, and an accelerationaccelerometer.
 4. The universal game controller system of claim 1,wherein at least one of the first and the second communicationstransceivers comprise transceivers selected from a group consisting of:an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, an infraredtransceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a RFID transceiver, a frequencyhopping radio frequency transceiver, and an ultra wideband transceiver.5. The universal game controller system of claim 1, wherein thecommunications port comprises a port selected from a group consistingof: a Universal Serial Bus port, a FireWire port, a twisted pair port, aphone line port, and a wired medium port.
 6. The universal gamecontroller system of claim 1, wherein the base station routs signalsfrom the game controller to the game console.
 7. The universal gamecontroller system of claim 1, wherein the controller is a hand heldcontroller.
 8. The universal game controller system of claim 7, whereinthe touch screen interface comprises at least one section selected froma group consisting of a direction control section and a push buttoncontrol section.
 9. The universal game controller system of claim 8,wherein a portion of the touch screen interface comprises texturedmaterial identifying game play controls.
 10. The universal gamecontroller system of claim 7, wherein the touch screen interface isilluminated to identify game play options.
 11. The universal gamecontroller system of claim 7, wherein the touch screen interfacecomprises a plurality of material deformations indicating controls. 12.The universal game controller system of claim 11, wherein the materialdeformations are selected from a group consisting of recessed portionsand raised portions.
 13. The universal game controller system of claim7, wherein the controller is a battery operated hand held controller,the base station comprises a top surface, the top surface containing arecessed section fitted to a similar section on the hand heldcontroller, the recessed section comprising a power connector suitableto recharge the batteries of the hand held controller.
 14. The universalgame controller system of claim 1, wherein the game controller is atablet game controller.
 15. The universal game controller system ofclaim 14, wherein the wherein the game controller further comprises aconnector suitable to connect the game controller to a computing device.16. The universal game controller system of claim 15, wherein thecontroller is battery operated and the connector is suitable to rechargethe battery from a computing device.
 17. The universal game controllersystem of claim 15, wherein the touch screen interface comprises amultiplicity of sections, at least one section selected from a groupconsisting of: a section configured with direction controls; a sectionconfigured with action controls, a section configured as a keyboard, anda section configured to allow a user to draw on the touch screeninterface.
 18. The universal game controller system of claim 15, whereina portion of the touch screen interface comprises textured materialidentifying game play controls.
 19. The universal game controller systemof claim 15, wherein the touch screen interface is illuminated toidentify game play options.
 20. The universal game controller system ofclaim 15, wherein the touch screen interface comprises a plurality ofmaterial deformations indicating controls.
 21. The universal gamecontroller system of claim 20, wherein the material deformations areselected from a group consisting of recessed portions and raisedportions.
 22. The universal game controller system of claim 15, furthercomprising a stylus, the stylus configured in the shape of a pen, theallowing a user to draw on the touch screen interface.
 23. The universalgame controller system of claim 1, wherein the game station consolecomprises a connector suitable to connect the console with the basestation.
 24. The universal game controller system of claim 1, whereinthe game station console comprises a connector suitable to connect theconsole to a television.
 25. A method of enabling game play on a gamecontroller, the method comprising: communicating a signal from auniversal game controller, the universal game controller configured foruse with a variety of game consoles, the game controller comprising atouch screen interface and a first communications transceiver; receivingthe signal at a base station, the base station comprising a secondcommunications transceiver configured to communicate with the firsttransceiver, and a communications port operable to connect the basestation to a game console; and communicating a signal from the basestation to the game console.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein thegame controller is a hand held controller comprising a plurality ofaccelerometers.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the plurality ofaccelerometers comprises an accelerometer selected from a groupconsisting of: an orientation accelerometer, a motion accelerometer, andan acceleration accelerometer.
 28. The method system of claim 25,wherein at least one of the first and the second communicationstransceivers comprise transceivers selected from a group consisting of:an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, an infraredtransceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a RFID transceiver, a frequencyhopping radio frequency transceiver, and an ultra wideband transceiver.29. The method of claim 25, wherein the communications port comprises aport selected from a group consisting of: a Universal Serial Bus port, aFireWire port, a twisted pair port, a phone line port, and a wiredmedium port.
 30. The method of claim 25, wherein the base station routssignals from the game controller to the game console.
 31. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the controller is a hand held controller.
 32. Themethod of claim 31, wherein the touch screen interface comprises atleast one section selected from a group consisting of a directioncontrol section and a push button control section.
 33. The method ofclaim 32, wherein a portion of the touch screen interface comprisestextured material identifying game play controls.
 34. The method ofclaim 32, wherein the touch screen interface is illuminated to identifygame play options.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein the touch screeninterface comprises a plurality of material deformations indicatingcontrols.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the material deformationsare selected from a group consisting of recessed portions and raisedportions.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the controller is abattery operated hand held controller, the base station comprises a topsurface, the top surface containing a recessed section fitted to asimilar section on the hand held controller, the recessed sectioncomprising a power connector suitable to recharge the batteries of thehand held controller.
 38. The method of claim 25, wherein the gamecontroller is a tablet game controller.
 39. The method of claim 38,wherein the wherein the game controller further comprises a connectorsuitable to connect the game controller to a computing device.
 40. Themethod of claim 39, wherein the controller is battery operated and theconnector is suitable to recharge the battery from a computing device.41. The method of claim 40, wherein the touch screen interface comprisesa multiplicity of sections, at least one section selected from a groupconsisting of: a section configured with direction controls; a sectionconfigured with action controls, and a section configured as a keyboard,and a section configured to allow a user to draw on the touch screeninterface.
 42. The method of claim 25, wherein a portion of the touchscreen interface comprises textured material identifying game playcontrols.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the touch screen interfaceis illuminated to identify game play options.
 44. The method of claim38, wherein the touch screen interface comprises a plurality of materialdeformations indicating controls.
 45. The method of claim 44, whereinthe material deformations are selected from a group consisting ofrecessed portions and raised portions.
 46. The method of claim 38,further comprising a stylus, the stylus configured in the shape of apen, the allowing a user to draw on the touch screen interface.
 47. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the game station console comprises aconnector suitable to connect the console with the base station.
 48. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the game station console comprises aconnector suitable to connect the console to a television.
 49. Auniversal game controller comprising: a housing; a touch sensitivedisplay contained within the housing; and a communications transceivercontained within the housing, the communications transceiver configuredto send signals to and receive signals from a computing apparatus, thecomputing apparatus communicating with a server on a network, the servercomprising a web portal, and a software module, the software moduleconfigured to allow a game programmer to specify controller interactionswith a game, the software module further configured to generate amapping file from the interactions and to send the mapping file to thecomputing apparatus.
 50. The universal game controller of claim 49,wherein the web portal is configured to send a web page to the computingapparatus, the web page containing information related to availablegames, the webpage further comprising a configuration to allow a user toselect a game.
 51. The universal controller of claim 49, wherein theconfiguration to allow a user to select a game is a tool bar.
 52. Theuniversal controller of claim 51, wherein selection on the tool bar isdisabled if the computing apparatus is not actively communicating withthe web server.
 53. The universal controller of claim 51, wherein theserver configuration further comprises a configuration to receive aselection from the computing apparatus, determine an appropriate mappingfile from the received signal, and transfer the appropriate mapping fileto the computing apparatus.
 54. The universal controller of claim 51,wherein the computing apparatus is configured to receive a signal fromthe universal controller the signal comprising an action, determinewhich action is represented in the signal, determine from a mapping filean interaction with a game, and display the determined action in thegame.
 55. The universal controller of claim 51, wherein the server isfurther configured to determine if a software program has been installedon the computing apparatus and transmit the computer program to thecomputing apparatus.
 56. The universal controller of claim 55, whereinthe software program configures the computing apparatus to display aninterface, the interface comprising a region for game play and a regionconfigured to allow a user to select a game.
 57. The universalcontroller of claim 51, further comprising a memory contained within thehousing; a processor, contained within the housing, the processorcommunicating with the communications transceiver and the memory and astorage medium, the storage medium configured to store a bitmap, theprocessor configured to display the bitmap on the touch sensitivedisplay.
 58. The universal controller of claim 57, wherein the computingapparatus is configured to receive a bitmap from the server and send thebitmap to the controller.
 59. The universal controller of claim 51,further comprising a plurality of accelerometers within the housing, thecommunications transceiver configured to send a signal to the computingapparatus, the signal containing information from at least one of theplurality of accelerometers.
 60. The universal controller of claim 51,wherein the controller is a tablet controller, the touch sensitivedisplay comprising a plurality of regions at least one of the pluralityselected from a group consisting of a game control region, a mousecontrol region, a stylus region, and a keyboard region.
 61. Theuniversal controller of claim 51, wherein the controller is a handheldcontroller, the handheld controller further comprising a batterycontained within the housing, the housing further comprising a portconfigured to allow recharge of the battery.